PUNE, Nov 4: The military conflict during Operation Sindoor revealed the growing depth of the China-Pakistan strategic partnership, former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said.
Speaking at an interaction organised by the Pune International Centre (PIC) and moderated by former Ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale, Shringla observed that China’s involvement extended beyond military aid to include intelligence and diplomatic support, forming an “all-weather” alliance designed to constrain India’s rise.
“Pakistan’s use of Chinese weaponry during Operation Sindoor and Beijing’s covert support reflect a coordinated strategy that India must address through capacity building, innovation, and strategic partnerships,” he said.
The former diplomat, who also served as India’s Chief Coordinator for the G20 Presidency, discussed India’s evolving foreign policy, regional challenges, and strategic priorities in a shifting global landscape.
He emphasised that India’s diplomacy balances realism and idealism, driven by developmental needs, strategic autonomy, and an inclusive global outlook. Shringla underlined the role of strategic deterrence, skilled diplomacy, and sustained domestic growth in strengthening India’s international position.
Commenting on Pakistan’s engagement with the US after Operation Sindoor, he noted that Field Marshal Asim Munir had consolidated control and regained Washington’s attention under the Trump 2.0 administration. Shringla contrasted Pakistan’s short-term tactical moves with India’s long-term, institutional diplomacy.
Highlighting India’s robust partnerships with the US, Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and the Global South, he said these alliances are grounded in shared democratic values, trade, technology, and security cooperation.
Reaffirming India’s stance on bilateral dispute resolution, Shringla reiterated that New Delhi does not accept third-party mediation, in line with the Simla Agreement. He added that the abrogation of Article 370 has integrated Jammu and Kashmir into the national mainstream, with stability largely restored except for sporadic incidents of cross-border terrorism.
On regional and global balancing, he cited India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, deeper ties with West Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Global South, and the ambition to emerge as a “thought and technology leader.” He referenced the upcoming Global AI Summit as part of India’s effort to shape governance frameworks for emerging technologies.
Discussing the US-China rivalry, Shringla noted that while the global order appears to be tilting toward a G2 framework, India must preserve its strategic space. He asserted that India’s expanding economic and technological capacity positions it as a vital third pole in a multipolar world.
He urged India to strengthen domestic ecosystems in semiconductors, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, and rare earths to reinforce its global influence.